Rick Morgan was born and raised in Cincinnati, but learned to cut hair in New York City.
Who is Rick and why should you care? Well, Rick is the new barber in town who is taking over Chuck Senior’s old spot on Beechmont Avenue in Mount Washington.
That’s right, the iconic space left behind after Chuck retired will host a brand new barbershop under new ownership. It is called Echo Alley Barbershop and it opens this Friday, May 15, 2020.
Born in Anderson and raised in Madeira, Rick Morgan, owner of Echo Alley, moved to New York City six years ago to take a shot at stand up comedy. But fate had other plans for Rick, or at least his blood did.
Rick comes from a long line of Cincinnati barbers; from his great-great grandfather, Steward McCollum, who owned a barbershop in Williamsburg in Clermont County to his grandfather, Lee Morgan, who started Lee’s Barbershop in Price Hill on Guerley Rd.
NYC
It all started at the Blind Barber in Brooklyn, a barbershop by day and a speakeasy by night. Initially Rick started in the back room serving drinks as a bartender, but eventually Rick would make his way up to the front sweeping hair and working as an apprentice.
“It was a little crazy at times, but definitely fun. I learned a lot there,” Rick said.
Rick would move on into an apprenticeship at another barbershop called Mildred New York in East Village, but eventually, Cincinnati would start calling Rick back home.
After Rick’s dad fell terminally ill, Rick made the decision to come back to Cincinnati. It was a decision that worked out for him the end. “I took Cincinnati for granted,” Rick stated. “I realized later how much I missed the affordability of Cincinnati, the ease of getting around, and the overall uniqueness the landscape.”
New Beginning
Rick has been back in Cincinnati for two years now. Since his return, Rick cut hair at Salzano’s downtown and Cutman’s on East McMillan.
I originally met Rick back in April of this year and had the opportunity to see Echo Alley in the early phase of its transition. Rick’s friend Dave Bosch helped him with the remodel. “He did it all pretty much, I was just in his way,” Rick chuckled.
For those who are curious, Chuck Senior was given the infamous wood paneling that hosted the imprints, or ghosts of his customers from over the years. Chuck was also given the plastic chairs that seated his customers.
Left behind, however; was a curious peacock feather. Rick said he’s not sure what the story is behind the feather, but he’s afraid to remove it from the shop at the risk of unleashing some kind of curse.
Rick is a funny guy. His dry and quick-witted sarcastic sense of humor will undoubtedly supply the shop and his customers with plenty of laughs. It’s not too dry though, he’ll break down and laugh with you once the joke takes effect.
Cutting hair during a pandemic
Obviously things will start out slowly and strangely at Echo Alley due to COVID-19. Rick intends to comply with all the recommendations set forth for the reopening of barbershops.
To start, all haircuts need to be scheduled by appointment. Feel free to step inside to make an appointment, but don’t expect to walk in and wait in the newly remodeled waiting area. Customers will have to wait outside until a chair is empty before entering the shop. This is to comply with occupancy restrictions for the shop’s relatively small space.
Each haircut you buy comes with a drink, and if you’re of age, that can be one of the cold beers Rick keeps in a fridge in the corner. But you can’t serve yourself; Rick will have to get it for you due to public serving restrictions. That one’s not so bad I guess.
Rick won’t be alone in the shop. Jeff Wessel, a friend Rick met in barber school will be cutting hair two chairs down from him. Jeff is an Army veteran who served all around the world, including Afghanistan. Rick and Jeff will sanitize and spray each chair after each customer.
What a strange time it must be to start a barbershop. I guess it’s kind of a baptism by fire. The good news is Rick and Jeff are already booked through the weekend. I don’t think there has ever been a higher demand for a haircut than now.
I did reach out to Chuck Senior to see if he had a comment about Rick’s venture. “I met Rick and he’s a really good guy,” Chuck said. “I wish him the best of luck!” Chuck added.
If you would like to make an appointment with Rick or Jeff, call 513-873-3175. Also, make sure to like them on their Facebook page and Instagram to keep up with the latest news from their shop.
Stay tuned for my next article in 40 years when I interview a cranky old Rick about his retirement from his barbershop in Mount Washington.
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Did you miss my last article, Local Independent Grocer Discusses Challenges Amid Covid-19? Check it out right here.
another good article Brian
Thank you Rob!